Predoctoral students
MPIA offers several different types of projects for students interested in astronomy research, from high school to masters level.
High School Students
Please have a look at our International Summer Internship Program together with Haus der Astronomie or, if you speak German, at the Schülerpraktikum at MPIA.
Bachelor and Masters Students (only self-funded)
For students available to work in Heidelberg, we offer bachelor theses, master theses, mini research projects and internships. Please note that MPIA cannot grant degrees, so applicants have to ensure that submitting a thesis written at an external institution is possible at their university. Mini research projects take 6-12 weeks and can count as Module "Projektpraktikum Code WPProj" at the University of Heidelberg. For details see the Module-Handbuch Bachelor of Science Physik.
We invite applications from students in astronomy, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields. Please note that these opportunities are for students who can work at MPIA in person, meaning local students or those with independent funding to travel and stay in Heidelberg. APPLY HERE!
Review process: applications will be collected and shared with supervisors six times a year on the first Monday of February, April, June, August, October, December. Applications received after these dates will be reviewed in the next cycle. You will receive a reply about your application two weeks after the applications are reviewed.
Internships for Bachelor and Master Students (fully-funded)
MPIA offers fully-funded internship opportunities for bachelor and master students anywhere in the world who wish to acquire hand-on experience in research and instrument development in astronomy. The primary internship program typically takes place during the summer (between May and September) but visits are possible throughout the year depending on the students’ academic calendars. The internship will be in person at MPIA in Heidelberg, Germany and is conducted entirely in English. Travel costs are supported and a salary is offered. We particularly encourage applications from students with backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in astronomy.
For more details and how to apply see our Student Summer Internship Program.